I loved this book! I picked it up and started reading it, not knowing anything about it other than it was getting a lot of attention.

The story starts with a trial. Someone is on trial for the murder of someone else, but we don't know who. As the story progresses, it goes back (Then) and forth (1968) to reveal to us the relationships between all of the people involved, and how we got to this point.

I loved this book so much, I didn't want it to end!

a win for me. It gave THE FROZEN RIVER with a little bit of mystery and family drama. I’m a sucker for a book with court procedurals and this one delivered!

Easily one of the best books I have read in some time. I devoured this atmospheric, gentle novel with a vicious undertone of jealousy, longing, and deep love. Incredible writing had me immersed and feeling in the bucolic setting and the plot--we KNOW someone is on trial for murder--unfolds beautifully so that even if you suspect what happened, the way it comes together is still a surprise. And the ending was * chef's kiss. *

I’m obsessed with this story. It hit me in all the feels. I cried several times and that’s hard to do. By the time I made it to the end, I couldn’t choose between bingeing or savoring the end. Just so well done.

This book. Holy smokes y'all, this book! I'm so glad I read it before it got hyped up so much - I'd seen some good things but wasn't prepared for its impact. It encompasses so many themes and emotions - love and hate, betrayal, good decisions and bad ones, and the effect they can have on us for the rest of our lives. I was so frustrated by some of the actions of the flawed and all-too-human characters, but it was because I cared about them. It was romantic and heartbreaking and maddening and hopeful. It also didn't hurt that it was set in the mid-20th century - the 50s and 60s. It's a coming of age story, a love story, it's a mystery - and I loved it all.
My thanks to Netgalley and Simon & Schuster for providing a digital copy for an unbiased review.

What a hard-to-put-down novel! I loved the dual timeline, and the development of enjoyable characters. I truly felt immersed in their world, and felt engaged throughout.

Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for my review copy!

This has been one of my favorite reads of the year so far. In fact, even though I had an ARC, I bought a copy because I love it so much.

I absolutely love the poignant story between Beth and Frank and the look into their life. I felt that setting in this story was as much a character as a person in this book.

Thank you to NetGalley for this ARC copy in return for an honest review.

Heart-wrenching twists and turns as this story unfolds in flashbacks to falling in love during their teen years as well as unfolding the drama in 1968. Why is Frank on trial? What really happened to Bobby? Beth's choices are difficult and impact everyone around her in profound ways. Her love for Gabriel and Frank has led to tension with terrible consequences. Revealing surprises through the entire book keep the pages turning.

Omg!! I just finished this wonderful story and now I'm not quite sure what to do with myself! I may spend the whole day crying! 😭 How am I to be expected to go on with every day life after reading this?!? What a fabulous book! This is definitely the best book I have read this year. I wish I could read it again for the first time. The emotions this book invokes are strong. I had to set it down several times and calm myself before going on. I am hoping this author has written other books. I will definitely be looking to see. I need more of this kind of writing.

Broken Country by Clare Leslie Hall may be one of THE best books I've read this year, and I've read a lot of good ones!

I don't want to give away any of the beauties of this story, so broad strokes only: there's a then and now aspect in the telling; grief over family deaths happen; supportive and unsupportive family moments create circumstances (as in all lives); brave problem solving; and finding a way through the dark with the light of hope.

My stars are offered, but I note they are also tear-stained. (Happy tears, kids. Happy tears.)

*A sincere thank you to Clare Leslie Hall, Simon & Schuster, and NetGalley for an ARC to read and review independently.*

I realize this may not align with most of the glowing reviews, but this book simply wasn't for me. I found Beth to be an insufferable character from being selfish, destructive, to lacking any real remorse for her actions or how they affected others. She managed to ruin the lives of nearly every person who loved her. Beth’s behavior, across all timelines, felt emotionally stunted, almost like that of a teenager, which made it hard to connect with her on any meaningful level.
The shifting timelines also disrupted the flow for me. The transitions between present day Beth and past Beth’s whining felt redundant, making it difficult to stay engaged.
I also felt extremely sorry and frustrated for Frank, all he wanted was to love Beth. But she treated him terribly and used him, I feel in every possible way, which was heartbreaking and infuriating to read.
I also wouldn't categorize this novel as a mystery or thriller. However, if you're a fan of Where the Crawdads Sing or The Favorites, this book might resonate with you more than it did with me.

*Thank you to Clare Leslie Hall, Simon & Schuster and Netgalley for the digital copy. I am freely leaving my honest review.

A beautiful and sad story. I loved it because of the plot twists and the heartbreaking love story. Thank you, NetGalley, for this book to read. I definitely would recommend it.

Moving, sad, hopeful, beautiful and heartbreaking. Wonderful, flawed, lovable characters. A very quick read as I couldn’t put it down.

This one took me on an adventure! 4 stars.

📖 The Details:
Broken Country by Clare Leslie Hall
Historical | Dual Timeline | Tragic Love

⏱️ Quick Summary:
The story centers around Beth - her current live tending a farm with her husband Frank + her past life and first love with Gabriel. And how they merge during present time. Mix in some tragedy, small town life, family dynamics, and love affairs.

💁‍♀️ My Take:
This was so beautifully written and kept me hooked. I loved the switching timelines and it honestly made me switch my predictions and perspective many times. There was a mystery element to it as well. I felt for Beth and the decisions she had to make and the tragedies she went through. Definitely some TW on this one. Recommend!

3.5 stars - it took my weeks to try and finish this one. And when it finally draws you in, it’s just so sad. But I ell written and a great plot for sure!

After I read this book, I sat and thought about it for days. Days. I kept thinking, I can't wait to get home and jump back into it, forgetting that it was over! I will most likely go read her other books some time in the future.

I can't even seem to form the words I want to say about this book. It's heartbreaking in more ways than one. It's, at times, heartwarming. It's ugly and beautiful. This is one of those books that had my thoughts and emotions all over the place. I had a serious case of emotional whiplash while reading this book.

I fell in love with the characters, and I wanted everyone to come out on top in the end, even if that didn't seem like it was possible. I couldn't wait to get to the end, and at the same time, I didn't want this book to end.

I would highly recommend picking this one up. It's definitely a journey worth taking.

The farmer takes a wife...and her past with a famous author and a secret that ultimately leads to murder. Such a fun, fast read.
The author sucked me in and plopped me in the middle of a farm. I loved all the characters and their flaws. I would find myself rooting for each of them. Didn’t see the storyline coming and that’s always a plus. This was a five star read I did not want to put down. Highly recommend!!

Absolutely loved this book! It's complex, emotional, and perfect for book club. I love that there were no fully good characters (ok- except for Frank)- and this will challenge you as it's complicated to root for someone who is having an affair. Or even if you are not rooting for her, you will certainly understand their bond. Really great story!

I’ve seen so many rave reviews for this book and wanted to love it, but it fell flat. The writing is lovely, but I didn’t care for any of the characters. Thank you NetGalley and Simon & Schuster for the eARC.

4.5 wow! Another Reese pick I actually loved? That’s 2/2 so far this year!

Just brilliant storytelling. It’s easy to see why this book was all over the place in March because it is one heck of a story that you may think has some predictable plot twists, but then you are made a fool because oh there are plot twists that you definitely didn’t see coming.

This book is a phenomenal read. The characters are developed so well and if someone hasn’t optioned this then I’m sure it won’t be long. This is screaming to become a limited series. Seriously!

As far as format goes, either is a great choice. I think for a story this emotional, audio is definitely a benefit. The narrator (who I think sounds like Cate Blanchett) did a fabulous job. I would recommend the audio, but a copy of the book to own for your shelves. It’s a book you’ll be recommending for years to come.

Thank you Simon Books for the gifted galley and Simon Audio for the gifted audiobook in exchange for an honest review.